The Beauty of Progess: “When it comes to design, innovation is a constant that jeelry lovers can aways count on.”

Retailers, vote for your favorit jewelry designs online through April 19th.

So many tidbits I write down during calls as little notes to leave as reminders around my bench... Focusing on your strengths and passions is always your best and brightest path. Nothing is linear. Ask questions! Nurture those one-on-one client relationships. And also, taking a breath and much needed rest is a win.

“Bordeaux, burgundy, oxblood. Dark reds like these make an appearance every fall, some years more prominently than others… The color is both mysterious and chic, stately and sexy. It’s powerful but not quite so loud as a true red; it sort of sums up the notion of quiet luxury: elegant and superior, but not shouting it.

INSTORE Design Awards 2023 - Retailer’s Choice for Rings under $5,000: “From brightly colored gemstone statement pieces to over-the-top craftsmanship, there were many inspiring jewels among the winners of INSTORE’S 8th annual Design Awards.” Tropical Seas Tidal Moon ring in 14k gold with an 11.5 carat aquamarine and diamonds (0.017 TCW), $2,910.

Under the Sea: “As Sebastian the singing Disney crab knows, everything’s better down where it’s wetter. This dreamy trend draws on al things aquatic, bringing the beauty and majesty of our planet’s vast oceans to jewelry design…”

“A flourishing of the arts: Quality and creativity abound in this year’s INSTORE Design Awards.”

Retailers, vote for your favorite jewelry designs online through April 21st.

Haute Heat: “Electric pink meets burning orange and molten magenta for combinations of the color wheel’s most sizzling shades. This is jewelry’s answer to Dopamine Dressing crossed with the Barbiecore trend: spectacularly saturated gems that draw the eye by being as vivid as possible. Look to citrine, spinel, rhodolite and spessartine garnets, tourmaline, and topaz to deliver this high-voltage look.”

“Not terribly long ago—but before I had young children who see jewelry as a pull toy—I would, on occasion, wear long earrings. And not just any long earrings. The shoulder-dusting, swinging, sparkling kind—the kind that would threaten the existence of my earlobe if worn today.”

“Though it’s a cliché to ask, it simply can’t be helped: Where did the time go? As I look through this year’s roundup of Britt’s Picks, I remember writing each one—what was going on at home at the time, in the world, in the industry. It’s a bit like a diary of sorts, but the best kind—one illustrated through beautiful jewelry.”

“Hi Carlie, can you share the most important lesson you’ve learned over the course of your career? I’m sure that we all have our own quirky anecdotes on life lessons. Whether personal or career related, one lesson has always stuck with me… share your story and be authentic.”

“Not long ago, crystals became mainstream—a trend for some, but a lasting mainstay for many others. The average consumer discovered what those practicing spiritualism already knew—that crystals had power from Mother Nature herself. From love and fertility to trust, friendship, forgiveness, health, and healing, different crystals are thought to support in different ways.”

“A crescent of diamonds snuggles alongside the round Tidal Moon ring, but it’s really the center stone that appears more like a moon’s phase, organically. That it’s a bicolor tourmaline plays to the ring’s further appeal (the variation of gemstone was a hot one at this year’s JCK Las Vegas show), but how often do you see one so dark and brooding? Its natural green and black combination speaks to one’s glamorous, gothic side.”

“Hi Carlie, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story? My journey to jewelry design started in my childhood. I’ve always adored all that sparkled, from my own costume jewelry (most of which my young nieces and nephews now play dress up with) to the fine jewelry my mom wore. It wasn’t so much the process of creating that I was interested in at the time, but how special each piece made me feel.”

“Mermaid style: The mystery and majesty of the sea implies serenity, undiscovered worlds, and infinite possibilities. More than just the fairy tale creature du jour, mermaids represent an ancient and powerful archetype that has captivated humans for centuries. Jewelry inspired by these legendary denizens of the deep blue sea is often organic, with flowing lines and sea-worthy hues.”